Within the framework of the annual conference of the Working Group “Places of the History of Democracy” in Berlin, Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier received members of the Working Group in Bellevue Palace on 8 October 2021. He praised the work of the initiatives and institutions involved and emphasized that “Nie wieder!”
is and must remain the common foundation. For us, but also for future generations; for those born here and those who will join us. With a view to future generations, we need to offer more - also to expose the roots of German democracy much more strongly and make them visible. There is a need to remember the struggles, the successes, the things worth preserving, as well as the defeats and setbacks, and an awareness of the efforts towards democracy and freedom that have existed over the centuries. A look into the past shows how arduous, sacrificial, intricate and full of setbacks the paths to freedom and democracy once were. This knowledge makes it easier to recognize the value of what has been achieved and encourages us to continue to stand up for a life in freedom and self-determination in the future. Democracy can and must also be strengthened by making its history and its protagonists an integral part of the culture of remembrance.
You can find the full speech here: Microsoft Word – 2021-10-08_Places-Democracy-History.END.docx (bundespraesident.de)
